Ceremony recognises Orkney’s business achievements

Posted on 13 September 2017

Business leaders from across Scotland gathered in Inverness recently to celebrate success at the annual SCDI Highlands and Islands Business Excellence Awards, presented by Deputy First Minister John Swinney MSP.

The awards showcased the achievements of organisations from across the Highlands and Islands and celebrated business excellence in a range of sectors from local authorities initiatives and fish farming, to marine energy and transport demonstrating the diverse nature of the Highlands and Islands economy. The awards, which are run by SCDI and supported by high profile sponsors, including SEPA, Crown Estate Scotland and Liberty British Aluminium, are rigorously judged and provide the opportunity for organisations to be recognised for their businesses achievements.

Amongst the winners on the evening was Aquatera’s managing director, Gareth Davies who received the Liberty British Aluminium Award for Outstanding Business Ambassador. Gareth was recognised for helping to steer the development of marine energy and renewable technologies, alongside being an excellent ambassador for the sector and the region. He commented: “I am delighted to receive this award and particularly appreciate the recognition it gives to creating a global business from an island base. Over the last 3 decades remarkable achievements have been made in Orkney - it is truly one of the world’s most sustainable communities.

“With excellent backing from the Aquatera team and our numerous local and global partners I have had the privilege of taking the experience and understanding gained across the world - helping many different communities start to achieve their own ambitions regards sustainable energy and environmental management. Hopefully this effort will continue and expand and this award will help to energise that endeavour." A full list of award winners can be accessed here. Jane Cumming, SCDI Highlands & Islands Chair, commented: “The Highlands and Islands is home to a diverse, strong and vibrant economy which has grown into a regional powerhouse - breaking boundaries, setting standards and demonstrating true leadership in many sectors.

“The SCDI Awards recognise businesses for their significant strengths and successes. We commend all of the award winners on their continued investment and growth in the region and the vital contributions that their companies make towards our country's sustainable economic growth. “Given the thriving enterprises that exist in rural Scotland SCDI believe we should do more to draw together relevant interests to face up to the challenges of infrastructure, connectivity and demography - supporting the businesses in attendance at our dinner and creating a vision for inclusive growth in rural Scotland. “The businesses recognised at the SCDI awards are a fantastic example of Scotland’s economic strengths. SCDI looks forward to continuing its work with government to ensure that we are best placed to deliver an economy that drives inclusive growth for every part of Scotland - growth that works for business and for wider society.”